Pages

Review: Halloween

Title: Halloween

Author: Brenda
Haugen

Illustrator: Sheree
Boyd

Publisher: Picture
Windows Books

Year: 2004

Library Binding: 24 pages

Ages: 5 – 8

IBSN:
978-1404801950

Summary

Haugen
does a good job explaining the origin of Halloween to elementary kids. Being
one of the oldest holidays, Halloween originated in countries such as England
and Ireland. It started as a celebration of harvest during fall. People believed
in bad spirits at the time, but were also quite religious. November 1 was known
as All Saint's Day while October 31 was known as All Hallows' Eve. During the
1800s, people moved from England and Ireland to the United States, and brought
their Halloween traditions.

Haugen
explains how the traditions of the past continued to present-day. For
example, people used to carve vegetables and put candles inside to make lanterns,
which turned into carving pumpkins on Halloween. She also briefly addresses
Halloween symbols, like black cats, witches, and the colors black and orange.

Comments

The illustrations are understated, but I
appreciated the diversity of the characters. Haugen's explanation of the origin
of Halloween is appropriate for the age level. One striking example is that she
says people moved to the United States instead of saying they migrated.